#1 – Shell Grotto
Just a 15 minute walk from the house, Shell Grotto was discovered by locals nearly 200 years ago in 1835. Descend into over 70 feet of subterranean tunnels to see 2000 ft2 of mosaics made up of 4.6 million shells! Kids love the secret passage vibe that exploring the grotto brings.
Great for: a little adventure when the weather isn’t the best.
Cost: £10 Family ticket | £4.50 Adult | £4.00 Concession | £2 Child
Visit the Shell Grotto website
#2 – Dreamland Vintage Theme Park
Dreamland in Margate is a vintage seaside theme park that combines old-school fairground charm with modern day entertainment. First opened in the 1920s, it’s home to the Grade II* listed Scenic Railway, which is the UK’s oldest wooden rollercoaster, along with a mix of retro rides, amusements, and pop-up attractions. The park leans heavily into nostalgia, with restored fairground favourites sitting alongside street food stalls, art installations, and live music, making it as much a cultural hub as a funfair.
By night, Dreamland transforms into a live music and events venue with a festival-style atmosphere, giving a unique backdrop to acts such as Madness, Tom Jones, Olly Murs, Basement Jaxx and home favourites The Libertines.
Great for: a mix of nostalgic seaside fun, vintage rides and big-name live entertainment.
Cost: Free to enter. Rides cost 1 token each. Tokens can be purchased for £3 or 20 tokens for £40 (£2 a token!). Wristbands and season passes are also available.
Visit the Dreamland Margate website
#3 – The Crab Museum
Margate hosts Europe’s first (and only) museum dedicated to the crab! A quirky, family-friendly attraction that celebrates the world of crabs in all their weird and wonderful glory. Free to enter, it blends science, history, and humour to tell the story of these fascinating creatures, from their role in marine ecosystems to their surprising appearances in art, culture, and even philosophy. With interactive displays and plenty of tongue-in-cheek fun, it’s a small but memorable stop that captures Margate’s offbeat spirit.
Great for: the ‘crustacean education station’ and fun fact sheets for kids to fill in.
Cost: Free to enter, but there is a donation box if you wish to donate.
#4 – Margate Main Sands
Margate Main Sands is the town’s iconic sandy beach, stretching right beside the Old Town and backed by classic seaside attractions. Known for its golden sand, tidal pools, and safe swimming waters, it’s been a family favourite for generations and remains one of the best spots in Kent for traditional bucket-and-spade fun.
Great for: building sandcastles using the buckets and spades or ride the waves on the bodyboards provided in the Airbnb!
Cost: Free. Take a picnic and make a day of it. Deckchairs and parasols can be hired for around £5 each.
#5 – Turner contemporary art gallery
The Turner Contemporary is Margate’s striking seafront art gallery, named after J.M.W. Turner who was inspired by the town’s dramatic skies and sunsets. The gallery showcases a changing programme of world-class contemporary art alongside events and installations that connect with the local landscape and community. For families, the gallery offers dedicated kids’ activities, including free creative art packs, hands-on workshops, and an interactive Clore Learning Studio where children can explore and make their own art, making it an inspiring space for all ages.
Great for: sparking kids’ creativity through free art activities, hands-on workshops, and interactive learning spaces.
Cost: Free, but there is a donation box if you wish to donate.
See what’s on at the Turner Contemporary Gallery
#6 – Arcades and Amusements
Margate’s arcades and seaside amusements capture that classic British holiday vibe, with rows of flashing machines lining the coastline. They’re perfect for a dose of nostalgic fun, whether you’re trying your luck at winning a cuddly toy or a claw grabber, racing on old-school driving games, or simply soaking up the buzz of the lively promenade atmosphere. Affordable and family-friendly, the arcades are as much a part of Margate’s identity as the beach itself, offering a timeless slice of seaside entertainment for all ages.
Great for: winning tickets on the 2p pushers and saving up for some big prizes